ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Rising senior outfielder
Andrew Manning has been named as the team captain for the 2027 Navy baseball season, head coach
Chuck Ristano announced Monday.
"Andrew is an ideal team captain not only because of his contributions on the field, but even more because of the respect he has earned and the way he embodies what it means to be a member of our Academy community," said Ristano. "He is mature, dependable and consistently models the values and behaviors that define our program. Andrew also has a natural ability to connect with people. His peer group and our younger players alike seek him out for guidance, leadership, and perspective.
"In many ways, Andrew's journey to being elected captain reflects the exact developmental path we hope every midshipman experiences. For the past three years, he has been a consistent presence in the heart of our lineup while meeting every challenge the Academy has presented him with poise, resilience and a positive demeanor that naturally draws people to him. Andrew also serves as a Battalion Operations Officer within the Brigade, further demonstrating the leadership he provides beyond our locker room."
A powerful presence in the heart of the Midshipmen's lineup since the 2024 season opener, Manning's junior campaign featured a .243 batting average along with 21 runs scored and 29 RBI, smashing six doubles, three triples and a pair of home runs. Collecting six steals on the bases, Manning also took strides defensively by going a perfect 39-for-39 on fielding chances.
A Second Team All-Patriot League pick in 2025 and a 2026 Patriot League All-Tournament Team selection, Manning holds a .268 average and .408 slugging percentage for his career, tallying 26 doubles, seven triples and 11 homers to go with 97 runs scored and 90 RBI in 150 total games.
"It is the honor of my life to be named captain of this team," said Manning. "We have a very strong senior class filled with leaders and I am looking forward to leading the program alongside them. Many of my previous Navy Baseball teammates have been role models to me and I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of Matthew Shirah,
Brendan Munnelly and
Victor Izquierdo. This is an exciting time to be a part of Navy Baseball and we have a unique group of young men who will no doubt do special things both on and off the field this year. Beat Army!"
Joining Manning in a player leadership role will be rising senior pitcher
Aidan Healy. The right-hander has tallied 16 appearances in his Navy career despite missing all of 2025 due to injury, as Healy made 12 relief outings this past spring and racked up two saves while holding opponents to a .216 batting average.
"This year's captain vote was probably the most competitive since I've been at Navy, which speaks to the quality of this rising senior class," added Ristano. "They bring a variety of complementary leadership styles, but they are united by a shared commitment to excellence and a championship vision."
"One of my first days on the job was their I-Day, and we've experienced a great deal together over the past three years. Admittedly, they are incredibly special to me. While Andrew will be our captain, I know he will be supported by an outstanding group of firsties who will help lead our program every day. I am extremely excited to work alongside that group as we begin our relentless preparation for a successful 2027 season."
